Experienced defender Easton Wood will be hoping the Western Bulldogs can use the disappointment from their defeat to Richmond to turn things around against Port Adelaide in just five days’ time.
The Bulldogs’ momentum – five wins in six matches – was halted by the Tigers on Wednesday night at Metricon Stadium.
Forty-one points was the final margin, as the Bulldogs struggled to get the game on their terms.
“It was a disappointing night,” Wood said.
“We’d had a good block of footy leading in, so we had some good momentum.
“But the Tigers really brought their pressure and I kind of felt that some of our mistakes really fuelled the way they want to play.
“Credit to them, they played really well.”
Midfield star Jack Macrae was clearly the Bulldogs’ best performer on the night.
Playing his 150th AFL game, Macrae had a game-high 37 disposals to have a significant impact – despite the result.
“He’s just such an under the radar kind of guy,” Wood said of the milestone man.
“He’s really laconic and laidback, which belies the strength he plays with out on the field.
“Every week he puts his body on the line, he’s often in and under the packs getting multiple hits and he just continues to front up and deliver really high performance for the team.”
A clash against the ladder-leading Power now awaits on their home turf on Monday night.
“It’s absolutely critical that we turn around and take out what we need to out of the game,” Wood said.
“It’s a crazy little period this with so many games in such a short succession, so recovery is at the top of mind.
“We’ll be resting up and making sure we’ve got energy and are ready to go for Monday.”
